How Much Does It Cost to Install a Retractable Awning?

Retractable awnings are a popular option for those who prefer a little versatility when it comes to their home and shading needs. The most common form is the manually operated awning with a hand crank, however, retractable awnings also come with tubeless motor operation as well.

The average cost for having a professional come out to your home and install a non-motorized awning is around $850, matching the average price for professional installation of a standard, metal awning. Professional installation of a motorized awning will cost nearly triple, at $2,350 for a 12’ retractable. 

So, unless you are extremely averse to using a hand crank, you should definitely consider the manual operation awning, if for no other reason than to save yourself a boat load of money on the installation costs. There is always the option of doing a DIY install of a motorized awning if you’re up for it.

Average Price of Retractable Awning Installation by Type

While the cost of having a retractable awning professionally installed can run anywhere between $850 and $2,350, it’s not always as bad as it sounds, especially if you are just talking about a retractable window awning, instead of an awning that will cover most of the real estate on your patio.

For instance, if you choose to do it yourself, the average cost is more along the lines of $450, however, that’s a very broad average and is highly dependent on whether or not you have the tools available for this DIY project or you have to go out and purchase additional tools and hardware.

If you are the kind of person who has a workshop, a pretty robust toolbox, and you horde hardware (nails, screws, bolts, etc.), then the cost is likely to be far cheaper than $450.

You also have to factor in the size of the retractable awning. The size makes a difference mostly because it takes longer to install and contractors will charge you by the hour for installing it. It costs a lot more if it is motorized because that requires wiring since motorized awnings are battery-powered.

The installation costs by type are varied and are more due to the size, weight, and complexity of the awning, rather than any aesthetic or brand factors.

• Manual Retractable awnings average $850 but can cost between $500 and $1,500 for a professional installation
• If its a canvas awning, the price will remain in the $850 range
• Metal awnings are going to cost a little more, around $1,000 to $1,100
• Mechanized awnings average $2,350 but can cost between $2,000 and $3,500

As you can see, doing the project yourself can potentially save you hundreds, if not over a thousand dollars in savings, just based on professional installation costs.

Pricing the Installation of a Retractable Awning Based on Size

You have three types of retractable awnings that are based on specific sizes within each type. You have retractable door awnings, retractable window awnings, and retractable patio or deck awnings.

The larger the size, the more expensive the awning is liable to be, not including whether or not it is mechanized/motorized or manual in nature.

• Door and window – 31” x 24” – $250 to $550
• Door and window – 44” x 36” – $250 to $550
• Door and window – 56” x 48” – $400 to $750
• Patio and/or deck – 8’ x 20’ – $700 to $2000
• Patio and/or deck – 10’ x 10’ – $300 to $2,000
• Patio and/or deck – 10’ x 20’ – $400 to $3,000
• Patio and or deck – 15’ x 15’ – $600 to $3,000
• Patio and or deck – 15’ x 15’ – $800 to $3,500

As you can see, there is a pretty massive disparity from the low end to the high end for each size group, however, that’s mostly due to the difference between a manual retractable awning and a mechanized retractable awning.

The other differences are more slight, such as the type of material that the awning is made of and the area in which you live. The area makes a lot of difference, as the professional installation of a retractable awning in Pensacola, Florida is going to cost a lot less than professional installation in Los Angeles, California.

Additional Factors the Effect on the Cost of Installation

Several factors can affect the cost of professional installation as well. For instance, depending on where you live, you may have to acquire a permit to install a large, retractable awning on your patio, especially if it is mechanized.

A permit can cost anywhere between $25 and $100, once again, depending on where you live. If your patio comes with an enclosure add-on or if you choose to purchase an enclosure and want it installed as well, the cost can skyrocket.

Any other accessories that you choose to add on, especially if you put them in a contractor’s hands for professional installation, are going to affect the cost of the overall installation. You will recoup these costs over time, with the energy savings that you can pull from a retractable awning, however, it would have to be a fairly large retractable awning to make a difference.

Of course, none of the above is including the costs of the retractable awning itself, which can is another thing that can have a huge disparity in terms of price. Canvas is relatively cheap, but there are also vinyl awnings, not to mention acrylic.

The premium nature of some of the materials that go into the manufacturing of your particular awning result in a higher price point. Brand affects the price as well. Premium brands command a premium price tag and you always have to be concerned about quality when you go with an off-brand.

All Things Considered

The average price for having a retractable awning professionally installed is going to run anywhere between $850 and $2,350, which are the averages based on materials and type. The price can get a lot higher with extremely large awnings or awnings with premium materials that are also mechanized.

Superior Awning specializes in metal awning design, customization and fabrication. Our company has been assisting clients with their residential, commercial and industrial properties for already more than 30 years ago. We are a company that can provide custom awning solutions from the very design of your awning, to its manufacture and then installation. Each of the products we provide has been tested to be long term; we offer from water-resistant and durable fabrics, life-lasting threads, galvanized steels and a wide array of aluminum types. No matter the challenge our company can help you design and build the awning that your house, store or building needs.

Please call  (800) 780-0201 to schedule your 100% complimentary consultation.